Automobile assessment: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

This impressive new Mercedes is an energetic, sporty drive – but it does take a bit of obtaining utilized to, writes motor reviewer Tim Barnes-Clay.

Occasionally a pair of new shoes feels just appropriate.

No blisters ever seem and they quickly turn into your go-to option of footwear.

Initial discomfort

Others trigger you a little discomfort at first – but, once worn in, you really feel as even though you’d never sauntered in something else.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 AMG Sport I drove was quite a lot in the latter category.

It took me a whilst fine-tuning the seat to give me the greatest driving position. I then had to adjust the steering wheel several instances – and then get the lumbar help appropriate.

For the initial day I just couldn’t nail it and, squirming uncomfortably, I was convinced this car wasn’t for me.

Adjustments necessary

But, by the second day of my week with the Merc, I felt it was produced with my name on it.

Some auto seats just call for a quick twiddle here and there and you’re all set up. 

I feel the CLA’s sports seats with integral headrests basically take some obtaining utilised to.

They’re sculpted in a curve-forward position, and make you feel like your head requirements to go back more – despite the fact that that could have been me getting fussy on the day the automobile was delivered.

An excellent machine

Anyway, adequate of the seats and my hair-splitting: let me explain why, on the complete, the CLA is an exceptional piece of German machinery.

Aesthetically, its proportions and dynamic design give the compact 4-door saloon-cum-coupé an unmistakable look.

The vehicle’;s striking attributes consist of the bonnet embedded in the front finish with power-domes and a diamond-appear grille.

The light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass have been arranged in such a way as to create a characteristic “flare impact” for the daytime driving lights and indicators.

‘Energetic and youthful’;

This light signet defines the car’;s energetic form and shapes a new, youthful Mercedes face.

The width-emphasising rear finish exudes muscle and athleticism, featuring an interplay among convex and concave surfaces.

The gently sloping roof contour and the pronounced, hallmark curvature of the rear window, offer the CLA 250 AMG Sport with a coupé-style character from the rear, too.

The exterior’;s progressive, sporty look is continued inside the Benz.

A lot more seating problems

All trim surfaces are galvanised in silver shadow, resulting in a cool-to-the-touch metallic finish.

The instrument panel incorporates 5 massive round vents and there’s a prominent cost-free-standing display screen that attributes a black piano-lacquer-look front panel with a flush-fitting silver frame.

In the back, the seats, after once more, turn out to be a sticking point.

They are cramped for adults and not even the very best match for 2 child seats, but my 8- and 5-year-old coped with out also much squabbling.

Spacious and precise

On the plus side, boot space is good for this kind of vehicle.

On the road, the CLA 250’s turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rocks for most scenarios.

The car has outstanding grip when pushed through corners and its 6-speed automatic transmission climbs and descends excellently under stress.

Especially noteworthy is the Mercedes’ direct steer system, which delivers precise feedback in comparison with traditional power steering.

Safety hasn’t been overlooked either, with quite a few driving assistance systems supplying assistance and decreasing your workload behind the wheel.

Regular-match attributes incorporate drowsiness detection and radar-based collision prevention help with adaptive brake help, which assists to defend you from collisions from a speed of only 4mph.

Pros & cons

• Style √


• Steering √


• Grip √


• Security kit √


• Rear seats X

Rapidly details

• Max speed: 149mph


• -62 mph: 6.6 secs


• Combined mpg: 42.8


• Engine: 1991cc 4 cylinders 16 valve turbo petrol


• Max. power (bhp): 208


• Max. torque (lb.ft): 258


• CO2: 154g/km


• Price tag: £33,440

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Automobile assessment: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class